We are receiving lots of fur donations for our Cuddle Coats program and want to ship them to our wildlife rehab partners as soon as possible. Meet at the ARC office (co-located with Ethique Nouveau) at 317 W 48th St. in Minneapolis at 6:00 pm to help prep fur coats and accessories for shipment. Wear clothes that can get a little fuzzy. This is a great, low key way to volunteer and meet some of the other people in the group while helping to save animal lives.

We are receiving lots of fur donations for our Cuddle Coats program and want to ship them to our wildlife rehab partners as soon as possible. Meet at the ARC office (co-located with Ethique Nouveau) at 317 W 48th St. in Minneapolis at 6:00 pm to help prep fur coats and accessories for shipment. Wear clothes that can get a little fuzzy. This is a great, low key way to volunteer and meet some of the other people in the group while helping to save animal lives.

ARC In Action meetings are held every first and third Wednesday of the month from 7-8pm at our vegan store and ARC office, Ethique Nouveau, located at 317 W. 48th St. in South Minneapolis (on 48th St. between Lyndale and Nicollet). Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an ARC member or vegan or vegetarian to attend. Come out, meet other people who care about animals as much as you do, and see how you can get involved. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail Chelsea at chelsea@animalrightscoalition.com.

ARC In Action meetings are held every first and third Wednesday of the month from 7-8pm at our vegan store and ARC office, Ethique Nouveau, located at 317 W. 48th St. in South Minneapolis (on 48th St. between Lyndale and Nicollet). Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an ARC member or vegan or vegetarian to attend. Come out, meet other people who care about animals as much as you do, and see how you can get involved. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail Chelsea at chelsea@animalrightscoalition.com.

Stop by the ARC booth at the Midtown Farmers Market from 8:00 AM-1:00 PM on Saturday 8/8. The market is at Lake St. E and 22nd Ave. S. We\'ll be giving out info about how to go vegan and recipes for using all the veggies people get at the market, and talking to people about famed animal issues. Visit http://www.midtownfarmersmarket.org/ for more info.

Stop by the ARC booth at the Midtown Farmers Market from 8:00 AM-1:00 PM on Saturday 8/8. The market is at Lake St. E and 22nd Ave. S. We'll be giving out info about how to go vegan and recipes for using all the veggies people get at the market, and talking to people about famed animal issues. Visit http://www.midtownfarmersmarket.org/ for more info.

If you have to be picky about which protests you attend, pick this one from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Petland store at 2123 Old Hudson Road in St. Paul. Help send a message loud and clear that we are not going away until Petland stops selling animals from commercial breeders. Even if you can only come for part of the protest, please try to make it. The animals need you to help educate the public on their behalf. Invite your friends. Help us spread the word. Remember that we do not park or trespass in the Petland parking lot. Parking is available in the St. Paul Youth Services lot to the north of the strip mall. More info and RSVP at Minnesota Animal Rights Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/Minnesota-Animal-Rights-Meetup/

If you have to be picky about which protests you attend, pick this one from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Petland store at 2123 Old Hudson Road in St. Paul. Help send a message loud and clear that we are not going away until Petland stops selling animals from commercial breeders. Even if you can only come for part of the protest, please try to make it. The animals need you to help educate the public on their behalf. Invite your friends. Help us spread the word. Remember that we do not park or trespass in the Petland parking lot. Parking is available in the St. Paul Youth Services lot to the north of the strip mall. More info and RSVP at Minnesota Animal Rights Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/Minnesota-Animal-Rights-Meetup/

North Vegans will be hosting a Soul Food & Southern Cooking: Vegan Style cooking class on Saturday, August 8 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Parkway United Church of Christ, 3120 Washburn Ave. N in Minneapolis. This free cooking class is limited to the first 15 participants, and preference will be given to North Minneapolis residents. RSVP by emailing chelsea@animalrightscoalition.com

North Vegans will be hosting a Soul Food & Southern Cooking: Vegan Style cooking class on Saturday, August 8 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Parkway United Church of Christ, 3120 Washburn Ave. N in Minneapolis. This free cooking class is limited to the first 15 participants, and preference will be given to North Minneapolis residents. RSVP by emailing chelsea@animalrightscoalition.com

You\'ve heard about circus protests and the criticisms circuses receive for having wild animals in their shows. But what about the domestic animals? What about the announcement Ringling made about \"retiring\" their elephants in three years? If things are that bad, why isn\'t there a law against it? We\'ll go over some of the most commonly cited arguments so you\'ll be prepared to speak to folks who don\'t yet have all the facts. We\'ll go over the current state of animal circuses in the United States and around the globe, and we\'ll talk about local efforts here to raise awareness around both circuses and the exotic animal rides at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Event is at Augsburg Park Library meeting room, 7100 Nicollet Ave. in Minneapolis from noon to 2:00pm. RSVP at Minnesota Animal Rights Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/Minnesota-Animal-Rights-Meetup/events/223791631/

You've heard about circus protests and the criticisms circuses receive for having wild animals in their shows. But what about the domestic animals? What about the announcement Ringling made about "retiring" their elephants in three years? If things are that bad, why isn't there a law against it? We'll go over some of the most commonly cited arguments so you'll be prepared to speak to folks who don't yet have all the facts. We'll go over the current state of animal circuses in the United States and around the globe, and we'll talk about local efforts here to raise awareness around both circuses and the exotic animal rides at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Event is at Augsburg Park Library meeting room, 7100 Nicollet Ave. in Minneapolis from noon to 2:00pm. RSVP at Minnesota Animal Rights Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/Minnesota-Animal-Rights-Meetup/events/223791631/

The Animal Rights Coalition operates Ethique Nouveau; a vegan boutique, where all purchases help fund our animal advocacy programs, at 317 W. 48th St. in Minneapolis. The ARC office is located at the same address.

Menning’s USDA inspection report from July 22, 2014 shows 513 adult dogs and 289 puppies on the property. Since 2013, when the store was sold to the current owner Vanessa Rojas, hundreds of animals—from pomeranians to cocker spaniels, chihuahuas to miniature pinschers —were purchased from Menning and resold to the public by the Saint Paul Petland. Heritage Puppies’ USDA inspection report from September 4, 2014 shows 443 adult dogs and 101 puppies on site.

Menning doesn’t just breed puppies for profit, they also obtain puppies from other breeders and then resell them. For example, ARC uncovered a sale of dachshund puppies, just 8 weeks old when shipped, from Clearwater Kennels (Cushing, MN) to Menning on August 19, 2014. Clearwater is the largest puppy mill in Minnesota with over 1,000 dogs (738 adult dogs and 312 puppies) on the property as of September 9, 2014.

Dallas Rising, ARC Executive Director states, “The Petland corporation has been under national pressure for years to change their business practices to a more humane model. Over one third of their franchises have closed since this campaign began because when people learn the truth about where animals in pet stores come from, they’re appalled. More people are embracing the joy that comes from adopting an animal in need of a home and feel great that they’re saving a life instead of putting more money into the pet trade. A quick web search today found over 276,000 incredible, loving animals just waiting for someone to take a chance on them in shelters and rescues in our area.”

The national campaign against Petland is going strong, and Minnesota’s group (Minnesotans Exposing Petland) is active. ARC invites the public to tell Petland they don’t support the business of selling dogs from puppy mills. Join ARC’s next peaceful demonstration at the Saint Paul Petland store (Sun Ray Shopping Center, 2123 Old Hudson Rd., St Paul) on Sunday, March 15.

Third Annual Vegan Hotdish Cookoff a Big Success!

A great time was had at the Third Annual Twin Cities Vegan Hotdish Cook-Off. Over 100 people thoroughly enjoyed themselves, the food was delicious, and we were thrilled to see so many new faces. Special thanks to our great judges Kale and Aubry of The Herbivorous Butcher and Mary Johnson Strand who was last year’s winner.

Countdown to the Third Annual Vegan Hotdish Cookoff

February 23rd, 2015

Join us for a delicious time at the Third Annual Twin Cities Vegan Hotdish Cookoff this Sunday, March 1st from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Fuller Park Recreation Center, 48th St.and Grand Ave. S in Minneapolis. Original recipes from area cooks will be vying for two prize categories: Audience Favorite and Judge’s Choice, with additional prizes for the runners up. We are excited that our judge’s panel includes sister and brother duo Aubry and Kale Walch of The Herbivorous Butcher and Mary Johnson Strand, the 2014 Judge’s Choice winner. Come and support ARC’s animal advocacy work while tasting a variety of delicious hotdishes for only $1 per sample.

We’re hoping to make this event as waste-free as possible so bring a muffin tin or plate for samples, a fork, and a cup if you can. If not, they will be provided. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Call for Vegan Hotdish Cook-Off Contestants

January 26th, 2015

Join us for a delicious time at the Third Annual Twin Cities Vegan Hotdish Cook-off on Sunday, March 1 from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Fuller Park Recreation Center, 48th St. and Grand Ave. S in Minneapolis. Think tater tots, green beans, pasta, and other yummy things all mixed up in a single baking dish. Original recipes from area cooks will be vying for two prize categories: Audience Favorite and Judge’s Choice.

Our judge’s panel includes Aubry and Kale Walch of The Herbivorous Butcher, which is about to open the world’s first vegan butcher shop in Minneapolis, and Mary Johnson Strand, 2014’s Judge’s Choice Winner.

Come and support ARC while tasting a variety of delicious hot dishes for only $1 per sample. Free beverages will be provided and there will be lots of great door prizes. Your best Church Lady attire is welcome, but not required.

We have a few contestant spots left and a $20 deposit will reserve your spot (you’ll get your deposit back in full at the contest). Contestants will receive a $10 gift card from ARC’s vegan boutique, Ethique Nouveau. To register to compete, click here or email Chelsea at chelsea@animalrightscoalition.com. See you there!

Chipotle Vegan Fundraiser

January 14th, 2015

Let’s celebrate another yummy vegan option by enjoying Sofritas on Tuesday, January 20 at the Chipotle Calhoun Commons, 3040 Excelsior Boulevard #104 in Minneapolis. Bring in this flyer from 5:00 to 8:00pm on that day, show it on your smartphone, or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause, and 50% of the proceeds will be donated to ARC.

If you’ve never had Chipotle’s new Sofritas, now is a great time to try it. Sofritas items–burrito, bowl, salad, or order of tacos–are made with organic, non-GMO tofu braised with chipotle chiles, roasted poblano peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices,

So help Animal Rights Coalition fulfill its mission just by getting a tasty vegan dinner at Chipotle. Come hungry!

A Flurry of Activity with 100% Chance of Helping Animals

December 20th, 2014

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who donated to our animal advocacy programs in 2014. We were thrilled by the number of donors who recognized that our work is showing real results. Without your loyal and generous support the Animal Rights Coalition could not exist. You make our victories for the animals possible.

If you meant to make a donation before the end of the year, but time got away from you, no worries. Make your donation to ARC now and feel good about starting the New Year off right!

We’ve had a very strong finish to the year with ExtraVEGANza events at two Whole Foods markets featuring vegan shopping tours, food samplings, and cooking demos; a second screening of the film COWSPIRACY that once again sold over 100 tickets, selling out the Lagoon Theater; and our annual Turkey-Free Thanksgiving potluck which brought in over 120 people, with many new faces in attendance. Our Cuddle Coats program reached a major milestone and recently sent its 600th fur donation to one of our 38 wildlife rehab partners, and fur donations to this program are showing no signs of slowing. We had well attended demonstrations at the Shrine Circus and at Ribnick Furs for Fur-Free Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, and a great Pay Per View event at North Hennepin Community College to a diverse and interested group of students. Finishing off a year of very successful educational outreach, Dallas Rising, ARC’s Executive Director, gave a well received talk about speciesism to 145 people as part of the Normandale College Colloquium Series.

So make a year-end donation to ARC now. We so appreciate not only your support, but also your vote of confidence in our work to save the lives of animals. With people like you on our side, we look forward to making even more of a difference for animals in the year ahead, never letting anyone forget that animals matter.

Stop by the Annual Holiday Open House

December 1st, 2014

The Animal Rights Coalition invites you to join us at our annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 7 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Enjoy delicious vegan appetizers from the Herbivorous Butcher and of course, lots of sweet treats too, meet other ARC members and friends, and browse for animal-friendly holiday gifts from Ethique Nouveau’s great selection of unique merchandise. This event is always a fun low-key way to connect with other members of the community. Location is the ARC Office at Ethique Nouveau, 317 W 48th St. in Minneapolis.

Thank You for Your Generosity on Give to the Max Day!

November 12th, 2014

Your support on Thursday, November 13, Give to the Max Day, meant ARC was able to raise $6,871 from 158 unique donors during that 24 hours. That placed us #25 on the Small Nonprofit Leaderboard for raising funds. And due to the generosity of an anonymous and enthusiastic donor who pledged to match all those donations to ARC, the total for the day will reach almost $14,000, an unprecedented amount raised. These funds will allow us to expand our efforts to help animals more than ever.

ARC wants to extend a heartfelt and public thank you to the volunteers who came in and spent time in the office working to raise funds for Give to the Max Day. It was a long day and we would not have had the success we did without: Joe Beane, Angie Chesney-Mattison, Megan Kathleen, Amy Leinen, Kelly Newport, Emily Jane Rinke, Sadie Schrader, and Barbara Stasz.

ARC has grown by leaps and bounds this year.
Our Cuddle Coats program has had to increase prep sessions to once a week to keep up with the donations of furs coming in to us, and the increasing demand for those furs at the 36 wildlife rehabs we now supply with furs to help rehabilitate and comfort orphaned and injured wildlife. That’s more than double the number of rehabs we were supplying last year.

Our Minnesotans Exposing Petland campaign has seen the close of one of the two Petland stores in the state and is turning up the heat on the remaining store, as well as educating the public about the cruelties of the pet trade.

Our increased presence on campuses in the form of Pay Per View, classroom speaking engagements, food sampling events, and offering service learning opportunities for students continues to hold strong and we saw a surge of interest from teachers at the Education Minnesota conference this year.

We’ve continued to think outside the box and branch out in our outreach efforts. Our debut at the American Diabetes Association Expo this year was a smashing success, and in January we’ll have a first ever booth at the Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention.

We held three large-screen documentary screenings of the films Speciesism and Cowspiracy at the Lagoon Cinema in Minneapolis, all with sold out audiences.

And ARC volunteers alerted through our Activist Network even saved the lives of two stray chickens in Minneapolis, several months apart! Coyote and Kitty could have been eaten by birds of prey or frozen to death, but they’re safe and warm instead. We’re proud to partner with Chicken Run Rescue not only in these rescues, but also for tours and educational opportunities as well.